Chapter 1397: Chapter 1382: Master of Both the Pen and the Sword
Qingluan’s face showed a distinct unease. Song Xiaodong quickly pulled her aside and nodded repeatedly, saying, "That’s right, I feel the same way. A woman should not be given too high a status."
"Naturally. By the way, Mr. Song, since you’ve come here already, would you consider staying with us? I, Huyan Lie, would be glad to welcome talent like yours."
Song Xiaodong replied promptly, "Currently, we have nowhere else to go. If Lord Huyan is willing to take us in, we would be grateful. However, I have a few questions I’d like to ask you, Lord Huyan, and hope you can clarify them for me."
"Sure, go ahead!" Huyan Lie waved his hand generously.
Song Xiaodong said, "From what Lord Huyan mentioned, it seems war is imminent. Does Lord Huyan wish to fight or not?"
"I do not wish to fight. War results in death, leaves many disabled, and these are all my relatives, friends, and subjects. But since war is unavoidable, our city may be small, but we will fight to protect our home."
Song Xiaodong said, "Then let me ask Lord Huyan, if you were to unify this underground world, what would your vision be?"
"Unify the underground world? How could that be possible? Our city is the smallest among the four. The others boast populations of over eight hundred, seven hundred, and five hundred people respectively. We have the least, and most of our population are women. Excluding the elderly and children, our actual combat-ready troops number just over a hundred. The largest city could field two hundred soldiers. How could we possibly unify the world?"
Song Xiaodong said, "War is not solely dependent on the number of troops. With proper strategy, it’s often possible to defeat many with few."
Huyan Lie sighed and asked, "Mr. Song, are you skilled in strategy?"
Song Xiaodong said, "I do understand it to an extent."
"That’s wonderful. You know, we who fled here were mere villagers, mostly uneducated. Although we’ve developed our own writing over time, due to perpetual warfare, everyone focuses on martial prowess rather than strategy. In our city, there’s not a single person well-versed in tactics. If Mr. Song could stay and assist me, we might stand a chance against the other cities."
Song Xiaodong smiled faintly and said, "No problem, I agree."
"That’s truly wonderful! I extend my thanks to Mr. Song in advance!" Huyan Lie stood and performed a deep bow to Song Xiaodong, truly displaying a respectful demeanor towards talent.
Song Xiaodong quickly helped Huyan Lie up, saying, "Lord Huyan, I see you as a heroic figure who deeply cares for the people, which is why I’m willing to aid you. I hope, after unifying this area, you don’t forget this."
Huyan Lie promptly replied, "Naturally, I wish for this place to remain peaceful, allowing everyone to live in comfort indefinitely."
Song Xiaodong nodded and said, "Alright, I will acquaint myself well with this city and the situation of the other three cities before making any decisions."
"Whatever Mr. Song wishes to know, I will fully support."
Song Xiaodong engaged in extensive discussions with Huyan Lie, exploring topics from local culture and geography to troop deployments and soldier equipment.
Additionally, Song Xiaodong gathered information on the soldiers’ combat abilities. While Qingluan wasn’t interested in most matters, she showed great interest in this topic.
Huyan Lie stated, "Although we are all villagers, the ancestor who led us here was a master with highly advanced Kung Fu. To fend off fierce beasts here, everyone practices martial arts and our combat skills are strong. But as a small city, we’ve received the least inheritance, which is a bit of a weakness."
Song Xiaodong pondered and said, "Then Lord Huyan must be the strongest here, right?"
Huyan Lie answered, "Indeed! No one in this city can surpass me, but in the other cities, I know several who are stronger."
Song Xiaodong said, "I also love martial arts. I’d like to ask Lord Huyan to instruct me, to get a more direct understanding of the strength of the people here."
"Alright!" Huyan Lie agreed readily.
The two moved to a stone-paved open area behind the house, set up their stance, and began sparring directly.
Initially, both started cautiously probing each other, but soon realized their mutual skill made the battle grow intense.
Qingluan watched from the side, greatly astonished. Huyan Lie’s skill was truly remarkable, definitely with the power of two strands of True Qi, and his foundation was unmistakably solid. Song Xiaodong still seemed not to be his match.
Reflecting on it, if she were to fight Huyan Lie, she likely wouldn’t fare well, perceiving that he was still holding back, not displaying his full ability.
"Haha... That was exhilarating!" Song Xiaodong stepped back, his face brimming with excitement.
Huyan Lie clasped fists towards Song Xiaodong and said, "Mr. Song, I never expected you to possess such prowess. No wonder you survived the Python God’s maw. You’re truly skilled in both literature and martial arts. With your support, we will surely achieve great accomplishments."